Region 11
Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Moultrie, Shelby
Region 11 Reports
Early Childhood Regional Needs Assessment highlights data and stories from community members across the Region and includes strengths, family- and community-identified needs, and recommendations for how to make our local Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services more accessible and equitable.
Addendum includes additional community feedback captured as our Regional Team and Action and Family Councils shared our initial report’s findings throughout the Region.
Action Plan is a living community document that focuses on the top priorities from our Region’s initial ECEC needs assessment. Council members developed Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals for each recommendation and plans and timelines to fulfill them.
Early Childhood Needs Assessment: Focus on Mental & Behavioral Health features stories from families and ECEC providers about the challenges and successes they have accessing Mental and Behavioral Health services.
Action Council Members
Alexandria Poe, AP Therapeutic Practice & Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education, Owner & Associate Director
Dennis Pearson, Embarras River Basin Agency, Inc., Head Start Director
Emily Zerrusen, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Social Work Clinician
Erika Hollis, Paris CUSD #95, Instructional Coach
Jayme Holt, Franklin Preschool, Principal
Katie Parrish, Lake Land College, Sociology Instructor
Katrina Farris, Mattoon School District, Director of Early Childhood
Laura Miller, Home Child Care Provider, Owner
Laurrie Minor, Sullivan Chamber of Commerce, Director
Melissa Coleman, Eastern Illinois University CCR&R, Higher Education Navigator & Outreach Coordinator & Adjunct Faculty
Melissa Krieger, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Mikki Sherwood, Eastern Illinois University, Professor
Staci Christer, Shelby County Health Department, MCH Nurse
Teresa Metzger, Regional Office of Education #11, McKinney-Vento Lead Liaison
Family Council Members
Abigail Gibson, Marshall (Clark County)
Aimee Younker, Moweaqua (Shelby County)
Amanda Baima, Charleston (Coles County)
Anna Stevens, Charleston (Coles County)
Britny Donaldson, Tuscola (Douglas County)
Elizabeth Ingram, Tuscola (Douglas County)
Jenny Lewis, Greenup (Cumberland County)
Jordan Sharp, Paris (Edgar County)
Kennedy Polanski, Sullivan (Moultrie County)
Micah Wiley, Sullivan (Moultrie County)
Molly Plank, Tuscola (Douglas County)
Nicole Huffman, Martinsville (Clark County)
Samantha Elliott, Paris (Edgar County)
Skyler Harford, Mattoon (Coles County)
Meet Your Regional Team!
Tammy Helm
Tammy Helm (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 11. Tammy lives in Coles County with her dog, Dexter. She has nearly 30 years in the field of Early Childhood Education, which includes being a licensed child care provider, Preschool For All teacher, and Head Start Site Manager. Tammy completed doctorate work in Education Policy, Organization & Leadership at the University of Illinois where she also obtained Graduate Certificates of Specialization in Diversity & Equity in Education, International Education Administration & Leadership, Educational Leadership & Equity. She also earned an MS from the University of St. Francis in Teaching & Learning, TESOL, and a BS from Eastern Illinois University in Early Childhood Education & Family/Child Studies. Additionally, she holds an Illinois Director Credential (Level 2), National Director Credential, ECE Credential (Level 5), as well as professional memberships with both the Illinois and National Associations for the Education of Young Children.
Tammy is actively involved in her church, enjoys spending time with her six grandchildren working on jigsaw puzzles.
Kayli Bontrager
Kayli Bontrager (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 11. Kayli was raised in Cumberland County and currently resides in Arthur, Illinois with her husband and daughter. Kayli is passionate about rural communities, diverse family structures, and increasing society’s awareness of these families’ unique needs and challenges.
Kayli obtained a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Indiana State University and a master’s degree in Human Services from Eastern Illinois University where she concentrated on family research programming. While earning her undergraduate and graduate degrees, Kayli volunteered with the University of Illinois Extension’s Family Life Team for Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby counties where she also completed her Master’s Capstone. In her free time, Kayli enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and baking.
Ellyn Andrews
Ellyn Andrews (she/her) is the Region 11 Administrative Support. Ellyn operated a Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) licensed home child care for over a decade. After graduating from Eastern Illinois University, she worked in education and then spent several years in business administration. Ellyn is a passionate advocate for children. She firmly believes teamwork and strategic collaboration across various agencies and communities at all levels (local, state, and federal) will have a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.
Outside of work, Ellyn loves spending time with her family, traveling, and watching beautiful sunsets.
Contact Tammy Helm
Please fill out the form below to contact Tammy. Your message will go directly to her inbox. You may also reach her at (309) 270-5687.